The Adderall Debate

The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Survey of Children's Health show ADHD cases jumping from 7.3 percent in 2007 to 10.9 percent in 2011.

The fear of putting a child on a stimulant such as Adderall, a drug facing scrutiny for its abuse as a so-called study drug on college campuses, has parents slow to take a prescription to a pharmacy.

The Dore Program takes a physiological approach to handling ADHD rather than a chemical approach.

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

By the looks of it brothers Mcleod and Peyton Norwood aren't letting ADHD hold them back.

They were diagnosed with the disorder about five years ago. At the time, news of the diagnosis was difficult for Anne Norwood to accept.

"At first you don't want to admit there could be a problem because I think every parent dreams or hopes for their children to be the perfect child or the perfect student," said Norwood.

The Norwood's are part of a growing statistic in Mississippi. The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Survey of Children's Health show ADHD cases jumping from 7.3 percent in 2007 to 10.9 percent in 2011. It's a disorder that pediatricians say can be mentally and emotionally debilitating.

Dr. Susan Buttross said, "It's supposed to be one of those disorders that effects every walk of life. It can affect the child socially, behaviorally, at home, at church, at school."

That sounds all too familiar to Norwood. Inability to focus and concentrate took a toll on her sons' grades.

Now on the ADHD medication Concerta, the 10th grader and 7th grader can perform better in school and they know how effective the treatment is.

"It's funny, because when they get down to the last pill in the bottle they are very quick to alert me and say, 'Mom, I've only got one pill left. They get almost anxious."

Some would intepret that anxiety as dependency, but Dr. Buttross says that's not the case."It's not making them chemically dependent it's improving a nuero-chemical level that they didn't have."

But the fear of putting a child on a stimulant such as Adderall, a drug facing scrutiny for its abuse as a so-called study drug on college campuses, has parents slow to take a prescription to a pharmacy.

Dr. Buttross said, "There are many parents who get concerned about whether or not medication is needed."

That concern has parents seeking alternatives. Neal Stephens, Director of the Dore Program hears it frequently.

"We have a lot of clients that come to us to forgo medication, to not have to go that route," said Stephens. "We work with a lot of individuals with ADHD to improve their ability to stay focused."

The program takes a physiological approach as opposed to chemical.

Stephens says the 12-to-18 month program's results last a life time, while medication only works while a patient is taking the drug.

On the other-hand, Buttross believes the mis-use of stimulants shouldn't discourage patients that could benefit.

"There are definitely individuals out there who need medication and who succeed much better on medication than without," said Buttross.

The Norwoods may be a testament to Buttross' point, but one thing that can't be overlooked in Mcleod and Peyton's ability to overcome the disorder is something no doctor can prescribe.

Norwood said, "You just have to take them as they come and you love them anyway... And that's the most important thing."

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File). FILE - In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior....

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>